Do you know how sometimes certain medical conditions just aren't mentioned or talked about enough in the Black community? Like, the “what ifs” or the possibility of “what could go wrong?" Well, psoriatic arthritis is one of those medical conditions that I believe the Black community needs to shed more light on. Psoriatic arthritis complications are found more often in the Black community than one may think and we actually experience more undiagnosed psoriatic arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis can severely damage your joints if left untreated.
Psoriatic arthritis in simple terms, is a form of arthritis that comes with a skin rash. It affects some people who have psoriasis. More often than not, most people will develop psoriasis years before ever being diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis.
Symptoms of Psoriatic Arthritis
- Joint pain, stiffness and swelling(may occur in the spine, leading to the neck, lower back and hips)
- Inflamed fingers or toes
- Foot pain
- Itching
- Skin rash
- Eye inflammation
- Fatigue/lack of energy
- Small dents in the nails
Factors that may increase your risk of psoriatic arthritis:
- Having psoriasis (this is the greatest risk factor for developing psoriatic arthritis)
- Having a family history of psoriatic arthritis
- Your age
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Psoriatic arthritis in the Black community; the Black community experiences more undiagnosed psoriatic arthritis, more complications, and receives less treatment compared to other ethnicities. How so? Well, there are barriers that cause this.
Barriers to competent care and healthcare professionals (think about the communities where most Black individuals live and work), thus making it challenging for Black individuals to receive an early diagnosis.
Additionally, Black Americans are at a higher risk for many of the secondary medical conditions that come with psoriatic arthritis. Like, diabetes, obesity, heart disease, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
As psoriatic arthritis complications are found more often in the Black community, it’s super important to find a culturally sensitive healthcare provider/receive quality care.
Early diagnosis (imaging, like an x-ray or MRI, and lab tests, like joint fluid tests) can be done to prevent more severe complications and ensure proper treatment plans/plans of action.
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Having a healthcare provider you trust provides a respectable understanding and open communication between you and your doctor leading to a better outcome.
There is no cure for psoriatic arthritis. Treatment for psoriatic arthritis is solely aimed at managing/controlling symptoms (inflammation, joint pain, etc.) and preventing severe joint damage. Keep in mind that without treatment, psoriatic arthritis can be disabling. This is why it’s vital to always stay on top of your health and inquire about early symptoms and signs of any condition.
Managing and reducing complications of psoriatic arthritis include:
- Taking physical, occupational or massage therapy
- Being physical/staying active
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Reducing or stopping smoking altogether
- Limiting or stopping drinking alcohol altogether
- Following through on treatment plans
- Being on a heart-healthy diet plan(cut out junk/unhealthy foods and drinks)
- Taking prescribed medications. Such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs) that reduce inflammation and relieve psoriatic arthritis-related pain, and also disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Which can slow the progression of psoriatic arthritis and save the joints and other tissues from severe and permanent damage
- Taking steroid injections that can reduce inflammation
- Joint replacement surgery (for more severe cases of psoriatic arthritis) for the joints that have been severely damaged, can be replaced with artificial ones (plastic and metal)
Non-drug options that may ease symptoms of psoriatic arthritis:
- Swimming
- Yoga
- Walking
- Warm compress
- Practicing tai chi
I encourage you to speak with your trusted healthcare provider about psoriatic arthritis. Especially if you have psoriasis or you have a family health history of psoriatic arthritis. Don't wait until it's too late, as the decision to visit a doctor can prevent severe and permanent joint damage.
